The GST & Customs Amateur Team defeated the Mumbai Heroes by 39 runs in the Fit India Hit India friendly cricket match at the Air India Ground, Vakola, on 4 May. Organised by the Sports Authority of India and the Fit India Movement, the encounter brought together public servants, film personalities, fitness enthusiasts, and sports lovers to promote fitness and active living through sport.

GST & Customs' dominant batting display

Electing to bat first, the GST & Customs Amateur Team posted a competitive total of 170 for 5 in 20 overs. Akhilesh Kumar anchored the innings with a match-winning 57 off 55 balls, striking seven boundaries and one six. Parag Khanapurkar played an explosive supporting knock of 45 off 21 balls, smashing five fours and two sixes. Amit Dhaiya contributed 22 runs, while Aishwarya Surve remained unbeaten on 21.

Mumbai Heroes' bowling efforts

Freddy Daruwala emerged as the standout bowler for Mumbai Heroes, taking 2 for 21 in four overs. Sharad Kelkar and Rohit Kharb each claimed one wicket, but the bowling unit struggled to contain the run-scoring rate in the middle overs.

Mumbai Heroes' chase falls short

Chasing 171, Mumbai Heroes suffered an early collapse. Captain Suniel Shetty departed early for 6 runs after hitting one boundary, while Sohail Khan was dismissed for 1 in the opening over. Navdeep Tomar attempted to stabilise the innings with a composed 42 off 41 deliveries, but regular wickets hampered the chase. Sharad Kelkar scored 12, Shabir Ahluwalia added 17, and Raja Bherwani and Rohit Kharb each contributed 15 runs. Mumbai Heroes finished at 131 for 9 in 20 overs, handing GST & Customs a convincing victory.

Individual honours and standout performances

Ajit Dan starred with the ball for GST & Customs Amateur Team, claiming three wickets and earning the Man of the Match award. Pandurang Chate, Regional Director of the Sports Authority of India, also impressed with three wickets and was adjudged Best Bowler. Akhilesh Kumar was awarded Best Batsman for his match-winning half-century.

Event significance and leadership remarks

The match was graced by Prachi Saroop, Principal Chief Commissioner (CGST), Mumbai, as Chief Guest, while BB Gupta, Chief Commissioner of Customs, Mumbai Zone, attended as Guest of Honour. Pankaj Singh, Commissioner CGST, remarked: Initiatives like 'Fit India Hit India' play a crucial role in encouraging a culture of fitness and well-being among citizens. It is inspiring to see public servants and artists come together on one platform to promote healthy living through sport.

After the match, Suniel Shetty acknowledged the defeat and said: We have played so many games and lost very, very few. I don't think it would be tough to digest this loss, but we will surely come back harder. I would also like to thank Mumbai Heroes for being here and giving their everything. We need to thank Jackie Dada for all the support he showed both teams, along with Gulshan Grover and everyone who came out and supported both the teams.

The Fit India Hit India initiative reinforced the unifying power of sport, demonstrating how cricket can serve as a platform for promoting fitness, teamwork, and healthy living across diverse communities and professional backgrounds.